The Chester County Economic Development Council, in partnership with the Coatesville Area Partners for Progress and the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance, has announced that the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation is contributing $500,000 toward the Coatesville Growing Greater Neighborhood Revitalization initiative.

These funds will be used to implement neighborhood strengthening strategies that were developed by the residents of Coatesville during the year-long planning phase of this initiative, also underwritten by the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation.

Throughout 2016 and 2017, public meetings, stakeholder interviews, and more than 300 one-to-one resident surveys were conducted, all of which unearthed four key focus areas: Youth Empowerment, Public Safety, Jobs & Economic Opportunity, and Resident Engagement.

Task teams, comprised of Coatesville residents and topic professionals, were charged with developing creative strategies to improve conditions in the key topics. With strategies in place, an application was made to the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation to financially support a staff position that will work with city residents toward their implementation.

Additionally, more than 20 community and county organizations and entities have committed to partnering in the endeavor.

“The Wells Fargo Regional Foundation shares our vision of strong and stable neighborhoods,” said Regina Lewis, President of Coatesville Area Partners for Progress. “They believe as we do that neighbors working together can ensure everyone will benefit from the city’s economic prosperity.”